MPs in Treasury talks over RBS branch closure concerns

Politicians not reassured by rationale for closure

Angus and Perthshire MPs will meet senior Treasury figures next month to raise concerns about the Royal Bank of Scotland’s planned closure programme.

Angus Conservative MP Kirstene Hair and her Ochil and South Perthshire colleague Luke Graham have already held talks with RBS following the announcement that 62 branches, including several in Courier Country, are to go.

Following the meeting, they and 10 other backbench Tories wrote to Treasury Minister Stephen Barclay seeking further talks on the move by the bank, which is 72% owned by taxpayers.

The pair also plan to raise the wider issue of access to branches in rural areas.

Ms Hair said she and fellow North East MPs were not reassured by the bank’s rationale for the closures.

She said: “The RBS closure in Montrose has the potential to impact a large number of customers as well as the staff who work in these branches.

“Banks are supposed to carry out a full community impact assessment when considering a branch closure or a significant reduction in opening hours.

“As far as RBS could tell us, this was not done.”

The letter from the Tory MPs to Mr Barclay also notes that in many rural areas the broadband connection needed for internet banking is insufficient.

It adds that Post Office branches, which can provide some banking services, have also closed in many areas and mobile banks make infrequent visits.

More than 100 bank branches are to close in Scotland next summer – 62 belonging to RBS and another 49 at Bank of Scotland.

It is planned to close 62 RBS branches next summer.